NDMC rolls out monsoon plan with robotic drain survey
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has launched its Monsoon Action Plan 2026 with a focus on preventing waterlogging, strengthening emergency response and using advanced technology to monitor underground drainage systems across the Capital’s central administrative zone.
NDMC Vice-Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Friday said the civic body had completed 100 per cent desilting work under the first phase before the onset of the monsoon season, while the second phase would be completed by June 15.
One of the key features of this year’s plan is the first-ever robotic inspection of underground and covered stormwater drains at Q Point near the Taj Mansingh Hotel. According to NDMC officials, nearly 85 per cent of the survey work has already been completed.
The robotic technology is being used to identify silt deposits, drainage blockages, damaged sections and points where water stagnation is likely to occur. Chahal said desilting through super sucker machines was currently underway at a cost of around Rs 3.5 crore.
He added that next year the robotic desilting and inspection work would be expanded to cover nearly 3,200 metres in areas including Q Point, DTC Depot and Dayal Singh College. The proposed project is estimated to cost around Rs 43 crore.
Chahal said the monsoon preparedness plan had been designed to ensure uninterrupted civic services and reduce flooding incidents during heavy rainfall. The strategy includes pre-monsoon preparation, emergency arrangements during rain and restoration work after the season ends.
The NDMC has also started GIS mapping of underground drainage infrastructure, including bell mouths, gully traps, connecting pipelines, manholes and brick barrel drains. Officials said this would help improve monitoring of vulnerable areas and strengthen planning for drainage management.
According to the NDMC, only five major waterlogging-prone locations remain within its jurisdiction. These include Purana Quila, Dayal Singh College area, Panchkuian Road, Hanuman Mandir and Satya Sadan.
To deal with emergencies during heavy rain, the civic body has deployed dewatering pumps, diesel generator sets, manpower teams and control rooms at vulnerable spots. CCTV cameras and sensor-based monitoring systems are also being installed for quicker response and real-time tracking of water accumulation.
